e-mails from around the globe
"What a beautiful little angel you have in Victoria! I viewed all the photos on the Web site last night and I’m over-the-moon with excitement for you and Margaret. What a good little girl she is! God has blessed you with a healthy, beautiful little one, and she is blessed to have such wonderful parents! I know your feet haven’t touched the ground yet, and I bet they won’t for some time. Enjoy every minute with her. She is a doll. I am eager to catch up and hear many, many Victoria stories for years to come. Give my love to Margaret and a GREAT BIG SQUEEZE to Victoria! You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you adjust to this new, wonderful journey you are on together!"
- Betty Lovell, Lovell PR in Dallas and one of the most amazing people in the world!
sent at 9:05PM, Friday, July 28
"What a wonderful gift you have received! Life as you know it has just changed, my friend! Now you will be able to classify your life in two different categories...life before kids and life after having kids. She is such a beautiful baby girl! I am so, so, sooooo happy for y'all. I know you will be a fantastic, patient and proud daddy. May you enjoy every moment, twist and turn. I look forward to seeing more pictures and hearing wonderful stories of your experiences. Enjoy this time. Hugs and kisses to y'all."
- Debbi Blythe, former sister-in-law who is the mother of two of the cutest kids on the planet
sent at 4:39PM, Tuesday, July 25
"Congrats. I loved looking at the photos. She is a dream child. So precious and I know you and Margaret will cherish every minute - even at 4:15 a.m. (he he)."
- Carol Fabrizio, Disney co-worker in Buena Vista Home Entertainment and all around good gal
sent at 1:42PM, Friday, July 21
"Congratulations M&M on your premiere of your grandest production, Baby Victoria Elaine. Miss Victoria is a very lucky young lady to have both of your as her Directors and Producers. I do believe in her early pictures she resembles her daddy Mark when he was a wee one. I am sorry I can't be there to welcome her myself to this wonderful family--immediate and extended. Miss Victoria you are a very loved and wanted little girl. You are the apple of your Daddy's eye and the love of your Mommy's heart. Always loved and cherished without restrictions. Welcome litle one to the best family ever! Lots of Love, Hugs and Snigles, Aunt Lou"
- Mary Lou Gilliam, family friend who has seen me grow up from diapers to changing diapers myself!
sent at 1:10PM, Friday, July 21
"Yeah!!! She's here! :) So happy for the two of you. Hope you're enjoying every minute and are getting some sleep!"
- Dawn Girod, Disney National Promotions miracle paralegal and mom of two beautiful girls
sent at 12:03PM, Friday, July 21
"How cute is she!!! Must take after mom (just kidding, Mark) But DreamWorks???? What will we do without you? I can't thank you enough for everything that you'd done for us - and how terrific you have been to work with. DreamWorks is lucky to have you! All the best."
- Jackie Ogden, work colleague from Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom who wants you to go to www.aza.org to find a zoo near you
sent at 9:16AM, Thursday, July 20
"Thanks for the email. And congratulations! I hear Victoria is absolutely perfect (and well behaved too). Hope you and Mark are holding up well. I'm sure you guys are already fantastic parents. ;)"
- Curran Walker, friend from Trinity University who lives out in Southern California near us
sent at 10:23PM, Wednesday, July 19
"Congratulations! Mark, your daughter is beautiful. I'm so happy for you and Margaret. Your dream has come true, and I couldn't be more excited for you. Lots of love to you and your family."
- Sheryl White Stone, Mark's APO "big sister" at Trinity University
sent at 9:37PM, Wednesday, July 19
"What a beautiful little girl! And a big little girl too--you two must be so proud and excited! I can't think of two better people in the whole world to be bless with such a beautiful little girl! I hope that I get to a great "aunt" from Houston and that some day when I have a baby my child will not only have the coolest "aunt" and "uncle" or "big bro" and "big sis" in the world but also the coolest "big sister" to watch over him/her. Congrats and many happy wishes and prayers and keep those pictures coming. I can't wait to see little miss Victoria when she makes her Houston debut! *BIG HUGS* Lots of love."
- Leigh Weller Paddon, good friend and fellow APOer from Trinity University, and her husband Michael
sent at 7:21PM, Wednesday, July 19
"CONGRATS!!!!! She is so adorable. I can't even imagine how excited you must be!!- and probably tired too at this point!"
- Victoria Griffin Poleda, childhood friend from elementary and high school
sent at 9:56AM, Wednesday, July 19
"She's absolutely adorable, great color! Congratulations!"
- Brenda Dill, Disney National Promotions uber-temp who does everything we don't want to do (and does it with a smile!)
sent at 9:00AM, Wednesday, July 19
"Y'all, she's precious. You're special. Thank you for sharing!! All blessings for health, happiness, and home - to all THREE of you!! I deleted all the fuzzy ones, but am including all the decent repeats - so you can pick the one(s) you want... http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=lfb7tl1.21zsu9sh&Uy=-rq9cm9&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=336296884825_778120968305."
- Phillip Clark (great friend from Trinity University and beyond; groomsman in our wedding)
sent at 6:40PM, Tuesday, July 18
"I must give you a BIG email hug & congratulations to you, Margaret & your new little girl, Victoria! What wonderful & exciting news! I hope all 3 of you are doing well & look forward to seeing your new bundle of joy!"
- Brenda Dill, co-worker in Disney National Promotions
sent at 5:09PM, Tuesday, July 18
"Congrats! She is beautiful!"
- Amanda Muzzarelli, State Farm (one of daddy's promo partners at Disney)
sent at 2:19PM, Tuesday, July 18
"What a great sequence of you becoming a father! Twenty years are between the freshest memories of you, a cute little teenager, Thomas, your Mom and Dad, and the latest picture of you with baby Victoria. We are all so thrilled opening your homepage and we are responding promptly with: congratulations to you, your wife and your parents. We wish Victoria a good and happy life, and may she always have a guardian angel by her side. May she bring but pride and joy to both of you."
- Marianne Lauterberg, along with Bernard, Vincent, and Valerie (family friends who reside in Switzerland)
send at 1:43PM, Tuesday, July 18
"Mazletov!!! She's gorgeous!! What great photos you have to treasure for ever! Wow she's so big, it is a good thing she came out early. Sending my most warmest wishes of congratulations to you and your wife and baby Victoria!!! Enjoy the most magnificent thing that life can bring you....a child."
- Jody Weissman, Radio Disney (one of daddy's co-workers)
sent at 12:20PM, Tuesday, July 18
"Hey Mark! Congratulations on becoming a new dad! Please pass along my congrats and big hugs to Margaret!!! Victoria is so lucky to have the best parents in the world. When can I babysit? :-) Give me a holler when you two are settled in with Victoria!"
- Amy Ljungdahl (one of mommy and daddy's friends from Trinity University)
sent at 11:46 AM, Tuesday, July 18
"Well congratulations Mark! What a happy, beautiful family. You'll find your life will change in so many ways, but it will be a journey to cherish. Enjoy letting Victoria wrap you around her finger!"
- Beth Ward, State Farm (one of daddy's promo partners at Disney)
sent at 6:22AM, Tuesday, July 18
"Jan [Warren] wrote to tell us the marvelous news of the arrival of our new cousin. It's wonderful to learn that mother and baby Victoria are doing so well. And to judge by the photos on his web site, Dad also appears to be holding up well. Congratulations to the both of you!"
- Doug and Anne Scougale (Mark's second cousins, once removed, who now reside in North Carolina)
sent at 2:13PM, Tuesday, July 17
"Blessings to all!! Congratulations!!"
- Ron Morhous, fellow Disney VoluntEAR award winner and king of the Disney Warehouse
sent at 12:26PM, Tuesday, July 17
"Congrats Mark - wow Victoria is big! I hope you guys are getting some sleep - it's really hard the first month or so - but it does get easier. Take good care of both your girls!!"
- Nancy Kim, co-worker at Disney Promotions whose daughter Sophia is already 2
sent at 12:15PM, Tuesday, July 17
"Mark's newborn hospital photo [top] and in Mexico at 2 1/2 months visiting Tia... [bottom]"
"...and one with family where Mark is circa 7 months... (I wish I had written on the photos!)"
"Kathy (? age) -- taken in 1943."
Love ya,
Momma Tucker
P.S. You know how much fun my co-workers had calling me "Mother Tucker" after Thomas was born? Good thing that has lost its "charm" in 2006. Welcome home and enjoy your Mom, Margaret. She's an angel."
- Kathy Tucker, aka "Gramma," who definitely lent her good looks to her granddaughter Victoria"
sent at 12:00 Noon, Monday, July 17
"Congratulations Dad !! All the best to you and the rest of your family =)"
- Roger Ormisher, Volvo Publicity patriarch, Pirates 2 promo partner, and father to one of the coolest kids in the world -- George
sent at 11:18PM, Tuesday, July 17
"Oh Mark congratulations!!!! Can't wait to see her in person!!!!"
- Theresa Bentz, former Disney VoluntEAR colleague and fellow member of St. Marks Episcopal in Glendale
sent at 11:09AM, Monday, July 17
"Congrats on the new baby!!!! I'm so happy for you and Margaret!!! You are going to be the best Dad!"
- Ellen Dugas, Buena Vista Research and former member of "Disney's North Korea" who herself is destined to be one great Mom.
sent at 9:19AM, Monday, July 17
"Congratulations on the new addition to you family. Please keep me posted on all of the latest and stay in touch in general. All the best."
- Phil Guerini, Walt Disney Records Marketing guru and father to a little angel of his one
sent at 9:10AM, Monday, July 17
"Larry just told me that you had a baby already!!! How is she? How was it? How are you? I want to know everything and please email me some pix! Please take care of yourself and hope everything is well. Is she everything you expected to be??? Congratulations!!!"
- Sunny Kwon, work associate of Margaret's from A-Ju Property Management and one of the funniest people we know
sent at 9:08AM, Monday, July 17
"HOORAY!! Congratulations to you and Margaret! You're going to be the best dad EVER, Mark - Now if only you weren't leaving me!! (Boo hoo!)"
- Alan Guno, BVPM Finance guy by day, pop star by night -- check out his tunes at www.alanguno.com and get ready to dance
sent at 8:53AM, Monday, July 17
"Congratulations!!! Chadd emailed your great news - that baby of yours is CUTE!! She's a chubster - makes me just want to cuddle! You guys make a great looking family and I'm so happy to see the end result after hearing about it so many months ago. Hope you guys keep updating All Tucker so we can keep up with you!"
- Alia Noori, former Disney co-worker and recent NYC transplant
sent at 8:35AM, Monday, July 17
"Congratulations Mark! Victoria is adorable! Say hi to Margaret for me!"
- Stephanie Lertzman, queen of Disney Special Events and my predecessor at Disney National Promotions who always makes you feel wanted and needed
sent at 8:21AM, Monday, July 17
"CONGRATULATIONS my friend. Let me know if you need anything. I know you'll be slammed with visitors so I'll take a backseat until you get a little break in between. Let me know when mommy and baby go home."
- Gayla Griswold, Disney cohort who just happens to be a fellow Texan-turned-Glendalite (what do you call a person who lives in Glendale?)
sent at 8:01AM, Monday, July 17
"Huge congratulations to you, Margaret, and Victoria. I'm so happy for all three of you. She is a beautiful baby girl. I remember driving home from the hospital. The world was somehow different. Everything became so much less important except for the two girls in the car with me. Enjoy how the world just stops for a few days. And enjoy every second of your new Victoria."
- Greg Schiffer, good friend from high school and college who just welcomed a daughter into this world himself, appropriately named Victoria!
sent at 7:50AM, Monday, July 17
"Congratulations! I'll be singing the Kinks song “Victoria” in my head all day!"
- Steve Nuchols, Disney Creative team member who has four of the most beautiful children in the world
sent at 7:03AM, Monday, July 17
"Congratulations!!!! Now the fun really begins . . . diaper changes, feedings, burping, lack of sleep, crying, spit up, driving around at 3 AM just to get the baby to fall asleep . . . it is all good. All the best. Call if you need any advice on anything."
- Ed Gold, the leader of the CARS State Farm Pit Crew and a new dad himself
sent at 6:56AM, Monday, July 17
"BIG Congrats for the birth of your beautiful baby girl!"
- Matt McCallum, Hitchcock Fleming + Associates who I worked with on Goodyear promotions for Herbie: Fully Loaded and Cars
sent at 5:13AM, Monday, July 17
"I'm so happy for you. I saw the photos on your site, and I loved them. Luckly little Victoria. She got born into a family that's going to love her to death. Years later she'll want to kick your ass for publishing her nude photos on the internet moments after her birth. But that's still to come, my friend... I know you and Margaret must be in seventh heaven, and I'm more excited for you than you know. Tell little Victoria that Dave said I'm happy she's alive and in this world, and she's a $%&@ing lucky little girl. I'd be pleased if she learned her first bit of profanity from me. Hope you're doing well. I know you're probably running on adrenaline right now."
- David Fonvielle, writer/playright/meter reader and childhood friend from St. Thomas Episcopal
sent at 10:33PM, Sunday, July 16
"WOW! She is the prettiest newborn I've ever seen. Well done Margaret and Mark! I could cry. God is so GOOD! And amazing... I'm so happy for you. I can't wait to see you! All the best and get back to that hospital."
- Anne Clair Marlborough, dear friend from Disney who introduced me to the Wine Bistro on Ventura... fabulous!
sent at 10:33PM, Sunday, July 16
"CONGRATULATIONS, Mark and Margaret! I know you're thrilled. I'm so happy for you!! I'll check out the pictures ASAP. Thanks for the good news!"
- JenWare, my Homecoming Queen counterpart at Trinity University
sent at 5:31PM, Sunday, July 16
"CONGRATULATIONS! I cannot wait to meet little Victoria Elaine (what a beautiful name)! You are all in my prayers of thanksgiving."
- Susie Fowler Kenny, Assistant for Ministry Development at St. Marks Episcopal in
sent at 5:19PM, Sunday, July 1
"Congratulations proud Daddy. She is just beautiful. Much love and happiness to all of you!"
- Linda Gangeri, account manager on the Volvo/Pirates 2 promotion and my date for the P2 Partners Conference in the Bahamas last summer
sent at 4:15PM, Sunday, July 16
"Congratulations Mark."
- Brian Mansur, Disney cohort and creator of those awesome Verizon Wireless mobisodes on VCAST (and a man of few words)
sent at 2:29PM, Sunday, July 16
"So much love and happiness to the three of you. Congratulations. :)"
- Elaine Lazelle, Queen of the Disney Premiere (don't let anyone tell you any differently!)
sent at 2:17PM, Sunday, July 16
"CONGRATS!!! That is AMAZING!!!"
- Steve Smith, friend from Trinity University and fellow entertainment industry cohort
sent at 2:09PM, Sunday, July 16
"That is so great! She is beautiful!!! Congrats to both of you!!! Keep me posted and let the fun begin!!!!! Being a parent is so rewarding but it's the hardest job you will ever have.
- Sally Ochoa Muscarello, former high school flame whose son Milo is the cutest kid in Houston
sent at 11:32AM, Sunday, July 16
- Genevieve Haggard, friend from Trinity and a bridesmaid in our wedding
sent at 12:49PM, Saturday, July 15
"Mark!!!! These pics brought a tear to my eyes....I am so happy for you! When can I meet the precious little wonder....? She is beautiful and I do see you in her...
THANKS for sharing the pics....absolutely beautiful!!!!!"
- Pat Weiland, former Disney VoluntEAR cohort
sent at 9:15PM, Saturday, July 15
"Congratulations Mark and Margaret on you new little girl Victoria. Your pictures are just great. May God's blessing be upon you, Victoria and your home. Thank you for such a healthy and beautiful granddaughter. Love, Dad"
- Gary Tucker, Mark's father and Victoria's "grandad"
sent at 7:24PM, Saturday, July 15
"Welcome to the world, Victoria Elaine! You really are a big and beautiful baby! I really really hope to meet you in August when I am in LA... if you and your mummy and daddy are okay with that... Lots and lots of love!"
- Kathleen Chiu, friend from Trinity University who is studying law in Australia
sent at 6:14PM, Saturday, July 15
"SEE!!! I told you so!!! One week early. That's the little girl I saw in my dream. Margaret's eyes and everything. And you didn't believe me. HA!"
- Diana Brown Mackey, cohort in crime at USC Film School
sent at 2:21PM, Saturday, July 15
"CONGRATULATIONS! What a beautiful family! Such a blessing. Send me an address so I can congratulate you all proper-like!"
- Leslie Santamaria, one of my best friends from high school who is currently in Africa on a fellowship
sent at 1:58PM, Saturday, July 15
"Thought you might like to add this to the chronology..."
- Miss Bri Tucker, stepmom who snapped this photo last Christmas of the Tucker clan after we told them we were pregnant! [left to right: Brendon, Hayden, Margaret (with Victoria inside), Mark, Thomas, Forrest, Ashlynn, Tamara, my mom Kathy, and my dad Gary]
sent at 11:45AM, Saturday, July 15
"Congratulations, Mark and Margaret! Victoria is adorable . . . and HUGE! 9 lbs. 1 oz.??!! Margaret, I bow down to you. I hope all of you are well. I'm sending all my best wishes from here in Austin."
- Meilee Bridges, friend from Trinity University and one of the sweetest souls on the planet
sent at 11:39AM, Saturday, July 15
"Thanks for the wonderful pictures { sniff }. Congratulations! and loads of love."
- Miss Bri Tucker, stepmom who absolutely loves the name Victoria
sent at 11:19AM, Saturday, July 15
"
- Rick and Stacy Kimpel, friends from Trinity University -- I was a groomsman in their wedding
sent at 11:12AM, Saturday, July 15
"A BIG congratulations to you both. She is beautiful!! I hope everyone is doing well. Enjoy your time together at home and good luck with the new job! Love to all three of you."
- Jackie Sliker, one of our best friends from Trinity University and a world class trap and skeet shooter
sent at 9:42AM, Saturday, July 15
"Congratulations, man...this is very exciting. Give my best to your wife. Take Care and Good Luck."
- Chadd Barksdale, the punk who hooked me up with an interview at Disney -- the rest is literally history
sent at 8:10AM, Saturday, July 15
"Mark this is great news. Congratulations. She is beautiful and looks very vocal!"
- Becky deSouza, DreamWorks Animation recruiter who helped me secure my new job
sent at 2:56AM, Saturday, July 15
"Congrats, Mark! I'm sorry my schedule wouldn't allow for a hospital visit. Have an amazing weekend."
- Cherise McVicar, my boss from Disney from 2001-2006
sent at 9:41PM, Friday, July 14
- Uncle Bud (Mark Egan), Margaret's brother
sent at 9:19PM, Friday, July 14
"What happy thoughts to start off the weekend ..... The mental picture of the day gave me goose bumps : o )"
- Andrea Crews, fellow Disney VoluntEAR and the queen of soul
sent at 5:26PM, Friday, July 14
"Word travels fast! July 14th will always and ever be a truly special day in your lives. Welcome in to this world a much prayed over, much anticipated, and much already pre-adored Victoria Elaine Tucker."
- Diana Barry, fellow Disney VoluntEAR who is responsible for a lionshare of the West Coast prayers for Victoria's safe arrival!
sent at 4:48PM, Friday, July 14
"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I was just thinking about you guys this afternoon and reminding myself to call you. But I guess you're a bit busy right now, so maybe I'll wait and call you in a few days! I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying prayers that everything went okay, and I can't wait to see pictures of Victoria!" So much love to all of you."
- Genevieve Haggard, great from of ours from Trinity University
sent at 4:27PM, Friday, July 14
"Wonderful news!!! I've been waiting anxiously to hear something. Can't wait to see her!"
- Michael Ferree, original "California Posse" member and groomsman in the wedding
sent at 3:24PM, Friday, July 14
"Dear Margaret, By the time you open this, you will be a mother. This is a joyful day. You are lucky I'm not there because the tears keep falling over the edge of my bottom eyelids. Below is my note to Nancy and her return message. Be on the lookout for her gift -- mailed today. She bought when she first found out that Victoria is a girl. She and I both wanted daughters, so we pay special attention to our grandaughters! I have a special feeling today. It was my Aunt Edith's birthday. She was my only aunt and I just adored her. She just died in January, so I am beyond belief happy that Victoria will be born on her birthday. Rest and pamper yourselves. Arms around you. Love you, Momma Tucker"
- Kathy Tucker, Mark's mom
sent at 11:55AM, Friday, July 14
"WOWSERS!!! When can we visit you all? Do you need me to bring you dinner tonight?"
- Chris Prouty, friend who along with his wife Jill are expecting their little "Rowdy" Prouty this Fall
sent at 9:53AM, Friday, July 14
"Yay! I am so excited for you! Send pictures when you all get settled. And take it slow."
- Katie Mueller, high school friend of Margaret's who is getting married very soon!
sent 9:18AM, Friday, July 14
"Wow...congrats...best of luck Margaret!"
- Jared Comess, friend and Mark's co-worker at Disney
sent at 9:05AM, Friday, July 14
"Oh my goodness!!!! Much love and happiness to you guys. Can't believe it. We can't wait to see her either :)"
- Jill Prouty, Chris' better half
sent at 9:05AM, Friday, July 14
"Oh my goodness, congratulations!!! I don't know what to say, that's wonderful!! How wonderful!! I am so happy and a proud UNCLE!!! Hehehe."
- Brady Morris, friend of the family
sent at 9:05AM, Friday, July 14